A futuristic exhibition exploring technological advances in medical care has opened at the Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation in Tokyo, designed by London consultancy Land Design Studio.

It is the first time a non-Japanese group has been appointed to collaborate with the museum, according to Land asssociate director Robin Clark. The consultancy was appointed to the project without a pitch by museum project manager Yoko Ushioda, after she saw Land during a trip to Europe.

The design creates an enveloping environment of illuminated graphic panels and reflective ceilings and walls, with patterns inspired by DNA arrays and genetic sequencing. The zone is separated from the open-plan areas of the rest of the museum, allowing visitors to concentrate on the complex medical information inside, according to Clark.

Scientific ideas are introduced incrementally as the visitor moves through the space. The first two areas deal with diagnosis and cure and a final area invites debate of ethical issues, such as embryonic stem cell research.

Audio-visual and digital interactive exhibits, developed by 2-Up, are built into consoles and the graphic walls, leaving an open space with a sense of the ‘laboratory of the future’, says Clark. ‘We needed to create a space where you can concentrate and relax, so the ceilings have been lowered and are made reflective, as are the floors. There is also a specially commissioned soundtrack by A Man Called Adam, which sets up themes in the different areas, with the melodies coming together in the final space.’